Possible LIRR strike could happen at midnight if no deal is reached | Live updates

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Last updated: Friday, May 15, 2026 4:25PM GMT
Pressure mounts as clock ticks down toward LIRR strike

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Long Island Rail Road workers could go on strike May 16 if they don't reach a new contract deal with the MTA.

CURRENT STATUS: Negotiations resume.

The union representing LIRR workers is pushing for higher pay, but MTA leaders warn that agreeing to those demands could trigger significant fare hikes.

Five unions representing 3,500 workers, including engineers, signalmen and trainmen, are threatening to strike if an agreement cannot be reached.

The MTA says if a strike happens, it will roll out a contingency plan that includes shuttle buses to help move riders.

3 hours and 38 minutes ago

LIRR warns passengers to plan a trip that ends before midnight

The LIRR has put out an advisory about the strike that could happen at midnight.

"If you're traveling tonight, plan a trip that ends before midnight," the advisory said.

In the event of a strike, the MTA will implement an orderly shutdown Friday night.

The goal will be to have all trains in the yard by 12:01 a.m. Riders will be notified of the departure time of the last train on each branch, through the TrainTime app and social media.

MTA officials will be in communication with LIRR unions to implement the shutdown.

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9:47 AM GMT

Negotiations set to resume Friday morning in hopes of averting LIRR strike

MTA negotiators and union leaders didn't make a deal Thursday night.

They met from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and they're expected to meet again Friday morning.

Both sides cannot agree when it comes to wages.

Around 3,500 workers are threatening to walk off the job on Saturday just after midnight.

If a strike happens it would leave nearly 300,000 commuters with very few transportation options.

The unions are demanding wage increases of 14.5% over four years.

MTA officials have offered slightly smaller increases and a $3,000 lump-sum payment.

The MTA is urging people to work from home if a strike happens. They do have a contingency plan in place that includes shuttle buses from six locations on Long Island to subway transfer points in Queens.

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3:20 AM GMT

Negotiations end Thursday night with no deal; talks to resume Friday

Negotiations between LIRR union leaders and the MTA ended Thursday night with no deal.

Union leaders said that the two sides are still far apart in negotiations, and will be back at the table Friday as the clock continues to count down to a midnight deadline on Saturday.

"At this point the parties are very far apart but we look forward to meeting with them tomorrow and we'll take it from there," said Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

The union says they hope they can bridge the gap, with the biggest issues that remain being wages and the fourth year of the contract.

They also called out the LIRR for making threats, and choosing games that make them look "foolish and unlawful."

MTA's chief negotiator Gary Dellaverson described the day as "frustrating," saying he believed progress would move quickly once the MTA put the full amount of money recommended by the federal board on the table.

Dellaverson also confirmed that MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber attended Thursday's talks.

The MTA pushed back against claims from union leaders that the agency was using "gimmicks" or "games" during negotiations. Officials said the agency's proposal contains additional money for workers and fully matches the recommendations outlined by the Presidential Emergency Board.

Despite the lack of an agreement, MTA officials said they remain optimistic.

Anthony Carlo has an update on the state of negotiations a little more than 24 hours before the deadline.
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1:40 AM GMT

How potential LIRR strike could impact access to LaGuardia Airport

In the event of an LIRR strike, LaGuardia Airport revealed alternative transportation options to access the airport.